5/20/2023 0 Comments Definition of exposition![]() So how do you make story exposition explain your world, your characters and starting scenario without the pitfall of it not being engaging (being ‘undramatic’)? First, a word on genre and story exposition: What about genre-specific exposition?Īs the second definition of exposition above (on its dramatic function) shows, genre will likely influence what you include in your book’s exposition. This kind of writing is sometimes necessary but is often undramatic: screenwriters, for example, are advised to avoid lengthy or explicit exposition. They further qualify, however, an important detail about story exposition: It can read as undramatic (or to put it another way, dry): In drama, a kind of writing where characters talk about the plot: for example, in crime dramas this may take the form of a police briefing where officers are told about the case they have to solve. Oxford Reference uses the example of a dialogue about a case in a crime drama: The first phase in classical narrative structure, presenting circumstances preceding the action of the narrative.Įxposition also indicates the story’s genre (and thus what type of story to expect). ![]() ![]() On one hand, story exposition explains the circumstances giving rise to the story’s main action. Oxford Reference gives multiple useful definitions of exposition in a story. Read on for a definition of exposition in fiction, plus examples taken from fantasy, historical fiction, speculative fiction and other genres: Story exposition: Useful definitions What is story exposition? Yet the exposition in a novel or short story is also an opportunity to entice, amuse, alarm and surprise your reader, foregrounding engaging themes and voices. ‘Story exposition’ is often described as background, the necessary part to include so that readers know when, where and why your story takes place.
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